English Bulldog

A Comical & Easygoing Companion

Amiable, mellow, outgoing

English Bulldogs are affectionate, lovable, and courageous, medium-sized dogs. This gentle breed does great with children and generally gets along with other pets. Early socialization and constant leadership is recommended. Bulldogs often wheeze, snore, and drool and most cannot swim. They overheat easily and do best in moderate temperatures. Just a short walk every day (in cool weather) is great for Bulldogs, so they do well living in an apartment or small home.

Understanding their unique needs will help keep them healthy and create a strong bond between the two of you. Explore this page to learn more about the breed’s history, health concerns, characteristics, and care needs.

The Bulldog in the photo is not yet fully grown.

Breed Details

Height:12-15 in.Weight:40-50 lbLifespan:10-12 years

Size

3

1 = small - 5 = large

Grooming requirements

1

1 = little grooming - 5 = much grooming

Energy level

1

1 = low energy - 5 = high energy

Ease of training

2

1 = difficult - 5 = easy

Affection toward owners

5

1 = independent - 5 = very affectionate

Friendliness toward strangers

Routine Care: The Bulldog has deep wrinkles that need to be cleaned and dried often to prevent infections. As an adult, they can have a tendency to be lazy so you must ensure they receive adequate exercise by providing a daily walk. They are sensitive to temperature extremes; avoid any prolonged exposure and be very alert to the signs of heat stress.

Grooming: They have low grooming needs. Brush their coat as needed, at least weekly.

Dental: Bulldogs often have serious problems with their teeth, so you’ll need to brush them at least three times a week!

Ear Care: Clean their ears weekly, even as a puppy. Don’t worry—your veterinarian
can show you how!

The Bulldog is an intelligent and dependable companion that forms close human bonds. With early socialization and consistent leadership, they are a social and cheerful addition to any family.

Positive Traits:

Affectionate, easygoing, and lovable

Quiet—not much of a barker

Good with kids and other pets

An excellent guard dog, courageous and dependable

Adaptable to a wide variety of living conditions

Outgoing and friendly personality

Negative Traits:

Can be gassy and drool a lot

Makes a lot of snorting, snuffling, and wheezing noises, and may snore

Can become overweight easily if not exercised regularly

Can be rambunctious and rowdy, especially as a puppy

Sensitive, matures slowly

Can be possessive of toys and food, tending to show dominance

Whether you are considering adding a new Bulldog to your family or you already have one as a companion, it is important for you to know about the genetically linked diseases known to occur more often in this breed. Of course not every Bulldog will have these problems, but research shows your pal is more at risk than other breeds.

By exploring the health concerns specific to the Bulldog you will become a knowledgeable and confident pet parent. Be sure to speak with your veterinarian about breed risks every time you visit and educate yourself on the most important signs to watch for at home. They are counting on you to be their health expert.

The modern Bulldog, with a heavy, thickset, low body and massive head, originated in England after the elimination of bull baiting in 1835. The Old English Bulldog was crossed with the Pug to create a more docile and affectionate family pet. The Bulldog retained its protective and fearless nature, but aggressive and ferocious tendencies were removed from the breed. Bulldogs serve as popular mascots, representing strength in the face of adversity for the US Marine Corps and more than 30 US Universities. Bulldogs are famous for their gentle nature, fondness of children, and clownish antics. The Bulldog is a generally healthy breed with an average lifespan of 10-12 years.

Consult with a veterinarian if your Bulldog shows signs of the following:

Care

Routine Care: The Bulldog has deep wrinkles that need to be cleaned and dried often to prevent infections. As an adult, they can have a tendency to be lazy so you must ensure they receive adequate exercise by providing a daily walk. They are sensitive to temperature extremes; avoid any prolonged exposure and be very alert to the signs of heat stress.

Grooming: They have low grooming needs. Brush their coat as needed, at least weekly.

Dental: Bulldogs often have serious problems with their teeth, so you’ll need to brush them at least three times a week!

Ear Care: Clean their ears weekly, even as a puppy. Don’t worry—your veterinarian
can show you how!

Characteristics

The Bulldog is an intelligent and dependable companion that forms close human bonds. With early socialization and consistent leadership, they are a social and cheerful addition to any family.

Positive Traits:

Affectionate, easygoing, and lovable

Quiet—not much of a barker

Good with kids and other pets

An excellent guard dog, courageous and dependable

Adaptable to a wide variety of living conditions

Outgoing and friendly personality

Negative Traits:

Can be gassy and drool a lot

Makes a lot of snorting, snuffling, and wheezing noises, and may snore

Can become overweight easily if not exercised regularly

Can be rambunctious and rowdy, especially as a puppy

Sensitive, matures slowly

Can be possessive of toys and food, tending to show dominance

Health Concerns

Whether you are considering adding a new Bulldog to your family or you already have one as a companion, it is important for you to know about the genetically linked diseases known to occur more often in this breed. Of course not every Bulldog will have these problems, but research shows your pal is more at risk than other breeds.

By exploring the health concerns specific to the Bulldog you will become a knowledgeable and confident pet parent. Be sure to speak with your veterinarian about breed risks every time you visit and educate yourself on the most important signs to watch for at home. They are counting on you to be their health expert.

History

The modern Bulldog, with a heavy, thickset, low body and massive head, originated in England after the elimination of bull baiting in 1835. The Old English Bulldog was crossed with the Pug to create a more docile and affectionate family pet. The Bulldog retained its protective and fearless nature, but aggressive and ferocious tendencies were removed from the breed. Bulldogs serve as popular mascots, representing strength in the face of adversity for the US Marine Corps and more than 30 US Universities. Bulldogs are famous for their gentle nature, fondness of children, and clownish antics. The Bulldog is a generally healthy breed with an average lifespan of 10-12 years.

Watch Out For

Consult with a veterinarian if your Bulldog shows signs of the following:

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